Kids Dental Care Selecting Right Toothbrush
Training your toddler early oral hygiene habits is very important if you want your child to have healthy teeth for the rest of his life. A good toothbrush is an excellent tool to get the best results out of brushing.
Getting the right toothbrush is the number one rule in kids dental care. There are a lot of toothbrush brands available in the market. Hence, choosing the best can be confusing. While all toothbrushes guarantee good quality and value for money, not all of them can live up to their promises. The next time you shop for your toddler's toothbrush, remember these tips.
Toothbrush Buying Tips
Get The Correct Brush Size
Different types of toothbrushes are available. The key to finding the right match for your little one is to get a toothbrush based on your toddler's age. A small brush can be a choking hazard while a big one may not clean his teeth properly. Here is a guide of age-appropriate toothbrushes:
- Finger Toothbrushes – If your little one is still starting to grow his teeth, an infant finger brush can take excellent care of his teeth. Finger brushes are extra soft making them easy to use. Your toddler can simply use a non-fluoride toothpaste or water. Best for toddlers between 8 to 12 months old.
- Toddler Toothbrushes – When your toddler reaches the age of 2, he can now switch to a toddler toothbrush. The brush's head is slightly bigger which effectively helps in getting the hard to reach baby tooth molars that erupt in the back of your toddler's mouth. When your toddler starts to spit out his toothpaste, you can now shift to using toothpaste with fluoride.
- School Age Toothbrushes – Once his adult teeth start developing, a larger children's brush is recommended to ensure his adult teeth remain healthy and strong. Make the switch once he hits the age of 5
- Electric Toothbrush – Best used by 5 to 8-year old toddlers, kids love electric toothbrushes as there is a 3 minute timer fixed in them which ensures complete and longer brushing of teeth. It also helps boost your child's motor skills. Look for brushes that are rechargeable and with replaceable heads.
- Regular Toothbrush – By the time your toddler reaches 9 years of age, the development of his teeth is almost complete; a regular or adult sized brush can be used.
Check Bristles
Regardless of the type of toothbrush you choose, always look for a brush that has soft and tiny bristles since your toddler's teeth and gums are still in their growing phase. A hard bristled brush can only cause bleeding and pain especially if your toddler is a hard brusher. Remember, his toothbrush must massage his gums and teeth, not cause him discomfort.
Ensure Strong Grip and An Appealing Design
An unbreakable handle that is easy to grip permits your little one proper grasp over it. The perfect fit gives brushing handiness sans the threat of excessive air inhalation and choking. Choose a brush with an interesting design to make tooth brushing extra fun. A colorful brush that comes with flashing lights or a brush in his preferred color with a picture of his favorite cartoon character will do.
Go For A Round Headed Brush
Your toddler's toothbrush must be in accordance to the size of his mouth and age. A toothbrush with a round head guards his teeth and cheeks on the inside and is easy to put into your toddler's mouth.
Research online so you can compare the different types of toothbrushes. Check the websites of toothbrush brands for customer reviews so you know which product gives your toddler 100% dental protection.